West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1887-09-15
THE LAST MAN.

The light was well spent and darkness
.'as near, when the Confederate's attack
ceased on that part of the Federal line
81 Chickamauga which was held by the
troops under Thomas, on the second
day Between the left OF these forces
sud that remainder of the army which
lad not left the field lay long stretch
Of forest, eifectually cutting off the view
between the two points. Just at dusk
there was borne across the forest n sound
af rapid musketry, but this was soon
over, and then followed prolonged cheer.
ing. 1t was clear TO those with Thomas
That the cheers came from Confederates
ana signiied capture of more or less
impor ance. The incident served i'm
connection with what followed. to cast
a deeper gloom over the exhausted SOL
diers.
That which followed was an order to
withdraw from the field i'm retreat TO
Chattanooga. The left OF Thomas's line
rested upon ridge the end of which
was covered with standing corn. At
the foot of the ridge, to.the left. was a
fence, and beyond this the forest alread Y
mentioned. A line Of Federal skirmish-
ers was posted along the fence, and the
orders were for this line TO remain until
the troops were we'll off the ridge in
their retreat, and then to quietly with
draw and make the best Of their way TO
reJoin the column. The skirnish line
was composed of single regiment, and
captain was in command, all the field
officers having fallen in the two days'
bghting. The captain. straight and
soldierly fellow, with bright brown hair
and beard closely cut, was waiting with
what patience he could command until
MS time came to retreat 1t was an un-
certain service at best, this staying be
hind In skirmish line while the army
marched away. So thought the captain.
evidently, as he moved uneasily a few
PAGES back and forth behind his men.
There was something else to trouble him +:
he WINGED whenever he put his left foot
to the ground
The captain had been waiting nearly
half an hour when there came an ominous
sound from the forest in front. 1t was
too dark TO see, but there could be no
mistaking that sound. 1t was the tramp
OF men coming cautiously on, as a force
would do in the dark, expecting 10 meet
an enemy at every step. The captain
thought IT too early 10 retire, and so there
was nothing for it but 10 await the on
coming force and trust TO fortune. On it
came, and presently the dusky forms Of
hne OF skirmishers were seen scarcely
thirty PAGES in front of the Federal line
At the same instant the captains men.
standing silently in their places, were
discovered by the others. Neither knew
certainly to which army the other be
longed. The line which came from the
wood halted without command, hest
taung Then an officer stepped for
ward and demanded
What troops are thoseW
Not at a loss for moment, the Fed
eral captain responded:
"All right We're going up the hill.
BE ready to support us. Now. then.
men-quietlyi Pass the word along"
Whatever the doubts Of the other, the
Captain was sure that the force con
fronting him was Confederate. Tie was
at last relieved of uncertainty he must
move now. His men understood. the
command went from man TO man i'm low
tones, and the whole line OF skirmisbers
quietly turned and marched up through
the corn TO The top of the ridge. As they
came TO the open ground at the summit
all was still about and in front Of them
Their comrades were out Of hearing I'm
their retreat The Captain mounted his
horse which an orderly had been hold
ing while the Captain was on foot with
his skimishers and put his little repi-
mcnt in motion TO follow the army. lie
himself remained until the last of his
men had filed by, and then followed. As
he did this, he turned his face as III for
last look at the bloody field There was
nothing there now but darkness and 81
lence. Perfect silence, IL seemed, thinking
what had been there now less than two
hours before. 10 was perfect silence.
save that 200 yards down TO the front.
where the cuemy's dead and wounded
lay thickest, q sharp cry came up out of
the night now and then, as the hospital
corps lifted a sufferer TOO roughly or
turned some poor fellow over upon
mangled limb Save, alas, chat p rust
ling noise I'm the corn through which he
had just come told the captain that the
enemy's shirmisne left ot the fence be
low were already moving ON bis track.
"The last man 900 Chiekamauga l' mutt
tered The captain as he rode ON after his
regiment
They passed quickly down the rear
ward slope into The deeper shadow of thc
valley, and presently turning their heads
- look behind, saw family outlined
gainst the Sky the figure Of the South